Regardless of how he got it done, Court McGee was glad to get back in the fight after 11 months on the shelf.
McGee returned after an 11-month layoff with knee and hand injuries. But after submission wins in his first two UFC fights, including the Season 11 Finale of “The Ultimate Fighter” to take that crown, McGee needed three rounds Saturday to get past Dongi Yang in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 25.
Thought another stoppage win would’ve been fine with him, McGee said there were positives he can take out of going the distance.
There’s no substitute for mat time,” McGee told MMA Fighting on Saturday after his win. “I’m grateful that I had a hard three-round fight, but it’s nice to have that feeling and feel somebody tap or submit – to finish somebody. … When I get in there and finish somebody – that’s an awesome, awesome feeling. I’m still grateful I went three rounds and I got the decision. I’ll take it for what it is, and I’m grateful for what it is. Do I think I can do better and improve? Yeah, but it is what it is.”
McGee (14-1, 3-0 UFC) won by unanimous decision, getting scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 30-28 from the three cageside judges in New Orleans. But the third round saw McGee get tagged by Yang, and he had to persevere.
“Luckily, I was born with heart,” McGee said. “I feel you’re either born with it or not. Thank goodness tonight I was. I may not be the prettiest fighter, but I’m tough. That played a role in it tonight.”
McGee said the fight with Yang showed him some areas he plans to work on immediately. But as far as the infamous cage rust, McGee said he experienced none.
“I’ll go back and improve and stay focused, just like I am,” McGee said. “I didn’t feel like I had any ring rust or anything. … The only thing I think I could have done was commit to a shot and take him down a little bit earlier, work some ground. But I don’t look at the destination, I look at the journey. This is part of the journey – learning and improving. I don’t think practice makes perfect – progress rather than perfection. I feel like I’m progressing. I’m happy. I’m content with my win, but I can always improve.”